Monserrate and Parker: Political Bullies

Former Senator Monserrate had a history of mental health problems long before his expulsion from the New York state Senate last week. According to The New Agenda, he filed for a disability pension from the NYPD over ten years ago claiming mental problems including post traumatic stress syndrome, depression and anxiety. His guns were confiscated by the police after his psychological assessment and in 2001 he was reportedly arrested for running over the leg of a tow-truck driver who was attempting to tow his vehicle.

It appears there’s more than one bully in the NY state Senate who needs to be put on a short leash. During the senate circus which ended in Monserrate’s 53-8 ouster, another NY Senator, Kevin Parker charged towards 5′ 2″ Sen. Diane Savino (D) calling her “a b,,,,” as she tried to speak about why Monserrate should be expelled.

When Savino told Parker to stop interrupting her, Parker is said to have yelled, “F–k you!” Savino responded in kind and Parker stormed at her, the source said.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx) jumped up and told Parker not to scream at Savino that way, the sources said.

Parker then swore at Klein and asked, “Do you want a piece of me?

If that’s what it takes to stop this,” Klein responded, the sources said.

Parker was held back by Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson.

The NY Daily News says Parker had been arrested “for punching a traffic agent in the face, a complaint that he shoved a female aide, knocking her glasses off, and a pending felony assault indictment for allegedly roughing up a photographer.”

The New Agenda supports women for political office at all levels and intends to make a safer environment for women. On their site you’ll find a blog, ways to start a local chapter, and connect with other women on line.

This is not a question of political affiliation. Sen. Diane Sabino is a Democrat. Sen. John Simpson is a Democrat. This senate is closely divided yet all but 8 members voted to remove this arrogant loose cannon. This is not a question of racial prejudice as Monserrate claims. They did not remove him because he was Hispanic. This is a question of right and wrong and how much longer we allow these bullies to make political fools of themselves at the taxpayer’s expense.